Desmond Lee: No proposal from Malaysian govt for third link to Singapore via Pulau Ubin

Minister for Social and Family Development Desmond Lee stated that Singapore has not received any proposal from the Malaysian government for a third link to Singapore via Pulau Ubin. This was in response to questions on the sidelines of a meeting with the Friends of Ubin Network (FUN) following reports about the possibility of a third link between the two countries.

In a Facebook post on Friday (31 August), Mr Desmond stated that he was asked about news reports that Johor was studying the possibility of a third link to Singapore via Pulau Ubin.

He then explained that the country has not received Malaysia’s proposals and does not have details of it.

"If we do receive it, the relevant agencies will certainly study it carefully," he stated, adding that work on the Ubin Project continues.

"We will keep Pulau Ubin rustic and protect its heritage and biodiversity. A big thank you to all our volunteers, stakeholders and community partners for your hard work over the years," he ended his post.

Earlier on Thursday, the Johor state government, which is formed by Malaysia's ruling Pakatan Harapan coalition, reportedly expressed interest in developing another link to Singapore on its eastern flank.

The government also mooted the idea of a link directly to Pulau Ubin.

Johor Chief Minister Osman Sapian said the state government will send a proposal to the federal government on the matter before further plans can be made.

Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad also told media in Kuala Lumpur later in the day, "There is some plan in the offing. There is already some plan."

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